Jobaaj Stories
Wing Commander Akshay Saxena of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been recognized for his bravery during a daring mission to rescue 17 crew members of a merchant ship near the Somali coast. The mission took place on March 16, 2024, and involved a C-17 aircraft flying for 10 hours in low-light conditions to rescue the crew from pirates.
The Mission
The pirates had been attacking ships in the Arabian Sea and had even shot at INS Kolkata. Wing Commander Saxena led the mission to airdrop two raiding boats and 18 special forces (MARCOs) near the Somali coast to capture the pirates. The mission was carried out secretly, with the aircraft flying low to avoid detection.
Challenges and Risks
The mission was risky, with threats from pirate gunfire. Despite the challenges, Saxena and his crew executed the mission perfectly, rescuing the crew of the MV Ruen and capturing the pirates.
Recognition for Bravery
For his bravery, Wing Commander Saxena was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) on the eve of Republic Day. The Defence Ministry praised his leadership, courage, and professionalism during the high-risk mission.
